iPhone Data Lost after Jailbreaking? How to Regain

--Thursday, Dec.15, 2016

Want to customize your iPhone by a variety of themes, making it look much awesome? Want to
perform Android operating system on iPhone when tired of iOS? Wan to download and install
apps and tweaks that cannot find in App store? Want to....

There are so many benefits that attract iOS users to jailbreak their phone risking removing the
tough security protections that Apple has built in iOS. What's worse, iPhone jailbreaking may
result in data loss. There are countless cases like the following one.

"A friend of mine showed me the customized theme on his iPhone 6, which is totally amazing. He
told me it's easy and safe to jailbreak my iPhone, so I googled and followed the instructions
online. When I thought everything is going all right, shits happened all of a sudden. My iPhone 6s
was stuck and rebooted. Then, I found all the contents were gone. My contacts, messages,
photos... All gone! iTunes was unable to restore lost data back, because I never backup iPhone
data to iTunes, Is there any way to restore iPhone data directly after jailbreaking? Please
HELP!"

Before we're hitting the road to the methods of restoring lost data after iPhone jailbreaking, let's
see how much you know about jailbreaking and why exactly it causes data loss.

Overview: How Much Do You Know about iOS Jailbreaking?

Generally speaking. iOS jailbreaking is to break the device out of its "Jail". In other words, it
means to eliminate software restrictions in Apple's operating system. Jailbreaking is done by
utilizing software exploits. It performs root access to file system and manager so that users gain
more power to use and personalize their devices, which means that those apps, extensions and
themes unavailable on the official Apple Store can be downloaded and ran on jailbroken device.

At the time iPhone was brought to the public in 2007, iOS jailbreaking has started so far.
However, not until 2010, the U.S. Copyright Office approved exemptions allowing smartphone
users to jailbreak their devices. A jailbroken iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad running iOS is still able
to use the App Store, iTunes, and other normal functions, though it might break some security
problems and void the warranty.

Reasons: Why Does iPhone Jailbreaking Cause Data Loss?

A software used to jailbreak iOS will send a variety of commands to the iDevice in the process
of jailbreaking. At that time, the iPhone/iPad/iPod would restart a couple of times. After the
process completes, a new app named Cydia will be downloaded and installed on your device,
which allows you to download apps and system tweaks unavailable on the Apple Store/iTunes
Store.

However, things might go wrong during jailbreaking. If unlucky, it would cause data loss of your
iPhone/iPad/iPod. Also, it voids the warranty of your iDevice. Normally, if it fails, the common
symptoms are like being stuck in Apple logo, Recovery Mode or DFU Mode (iOS System
Recovery is able to get you out of these troubles). You might lose data because of these. Some
people might find data missing after those situations.

Method 1: Retrieve iPhone Data without Backup Files

Notes and Photos might still be able to be recovered from "Recently Deleted" folder/album, for
these kinds of data are allowed to be restored within 30 days. However, if you have no previous
backups for your device, stop using your device and try to directly scan lost data out via iPhone
Data Recovery.

Please download and install iPhone Data Recovery for the free trial. Launch the software and
connect your iPhone to it. The default function is to "Recover from iOS Device". Then\, you
should select those types of data you want to get them back and click on "Start Scan" button to
continue.

Note that if you've chosen quite a few kinds of data, the scanning process may take quite a long
time.

Step 2. Preview and Restore Data

After the scanning completes, you are able to preview those data before the recovery. Those
missing ones will be marked in red. You are also allowed to selectively recover contents to your
computer or device. Please highlight files and tap on "Restore to device" or "Recover to
Computer".

Note that there are three types of files currently supported to directly restore back to iOS
device, which are Contacts, Messages, and Notes.

Method 2: Restore iPhone Data from iTunes Backup Files

That would be great, if there are iTunes backups available. It will save you trouble. You can
restore from your iTunes backup file by connecting your device to iTunes and heading to "File" >
"Devices" > "Restore from backup". However, you may lose your existing data (excluded from
backups). With the help of iPhone Data Recovery, you can restore previous backups and keep
existing data at the same time.

Step 1. Scan iTunes Backup Files

Run iPhone Data Recovery and choose "Recover form iTunes Backup File". Your previous
iTunes backups will be automatically scanned out and listed on the interface. Please choose one
to scan.

Note that you might have to locate the backup files if you've altered the default route.

Step 2. Preview and Restore Contents

After done scanning, you can check out files in detail. Users can selectively choose data and
"Restore to device" or "Recover to Computer". Then, all the data will be recovered to
computer/device safe and sound.

Method 3: Recover iPhone Data from iCloud Backup Files

Most users have enabled iCloud automatic backup service, so loss data can be easily restored
back if you got one. You can restore iCloud backup after "Erase All Content and Settings".
Users will be prompted to select "Restore from iCloud Backup" after the reboot. However, this
method will result in the loss of existing data. If you'd like to preserve existing contents, iPhone
Data Recovery is exactly what you need.

Step 1. Log in iCloud and Download Backups

Launch iPhone Data Recovery and select "Recover from iCloud Backup File" from the left
panel. Then, in order to get access to iCloud backup files, please enter your iCloud account as
required. The software will not record any personal information. Please be reassured.

Then, there is a prompt asking you to select types of data to download, please make your
choices and click on "Next" button to proceed.

Step 2. Recover Data to Device/Computer

You are able to preview the downloaded files and select them to export to computer or restore
on device. To choose all the files of the same type, done it fast via double click > "Check All".
The process will be done in no time, and your great memories will be safe with you.

Note that Contacts, Messages and Notes are available to restore to iOS device in a direct way.

Tips & Tricks: Things Must Do before Jailbreaking

Before you decide to jailbreak your iPhone/iPad/iPod, please ensure that the process is under
professional guide and instructions. Or, you might risk losing the existing data store on your
device, so a backup done in advance is always strongly recommended. There are two official
ways to make a backup for your existing data. Please check it out.

Done a Backup Through iTunes

Step 1. Connect your device to iTunes app on the computer.

Step 2. Click on the "Phone-like" icon to access "Summary" page.

Step 3. Click on "Back Up Now" button and wait till it's done.

Note that it's also supported to do an iCloud backup or encrypt backups via iTunes.

Done a Backup Through iCloud

Step 1. Launch "Settings" app on iPhone/iPad/iPod.

Step 2. Scroll down and choose "iCloud" option.

Step 3. Enter your iCloud account if not yet logged in.

Step 4. Scroll down and select "Backup".

Step 5. Tap on "Back Up Now" button.

Note that you're able to restore data from iTunes/iCloud backup files via iPhone Data Recovery
with no need to wipe your existing data in the first place.

Now that the previous data have been successfully retrieved. You should take a good care of
them. If you still want to jailbreak your iDevice, you have to do it under the professional
instructions. I'm sure you don't want any data loss at all, right?